Page 23 of Gone
“Shit, just what we need,” frowned Ian.
“I can help,” smiled Flip. “Make sure the boys are down.”
They all nodded at him as he stepped out into the freezing, howling winds. He looked around them, the raging river beneath their ledge.
With his hands in the air, he moved slowly, and then they saw what he was doing. A massive boulder moved across the river, coming straight for them.
“Uh, Flip?” frowned Ghost.
“Let him be,” said Kane. “He knows what he’s doing.”
Suddenly, the boulder was in front of their ledge, blocking most of the wind and protecting the boys and the men. He made sure to position it so that the smoke of the fire would leave the cave, and they wouldn’t get smoke inhalation. He also ensured that it wouldn’t come inward, blocking them inside the cave without any possible exit. It was a miracle to watch and would be unexplainable to anyone who saw it.
Nine looked at Flip, chuckling beneath his breath.
“That was fucking cool,” said Ian. “I don’t know how you do it, brother, but it’s damn sure a skill we can make use of now, and in the future.”
“Thanks,” said Flip. “It’s helped me on more than a few occasions and hindered me as well. I can move just about anything, which definitely comes in handy. Now we can get some sleep and not freeze to death.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
When the sun rose, Wilson, Cruz, Alec, and Tailor gathered the boys together and began making their way back toward the campsite. It would be slow with the kids already exhausted. At least they were dry. The temperatures had dropped nearly twenty degrees overnight, and everyone was regretting their clothing choice.
“Zeke and Trak went to find their trail. We’re going to move in that direction. You guys take the kids and the five agents with you.”
“They agreed to that?” Alec asked his oldest brother.
“Let’s just say they figured out that wingtips and wool suits aren’t appropriate for trail hiking. They’re happy to go back with you. Although they do want the two we’re chasing brought back alive.”
“We’ll handle the kids. You guys get those men,” said Alec. “Oh, and Gaspar? Come home.”
Gaspar started to laugh, then noticed that his youngest brother, all six-feet-eight of him, was frowning with a serious expression.
“Alec, I have no plans of doing anything except returning home. We’ll be fine. All of us against two men.”
“Two men who have extreme motivation, mon frére. Money.”
“I know,” he nodded, gripping his brother’s neck and pulling his head toward his own. They touched foreheads, and he playfully slapped the back of his neck and head. “Tell Alexandra I’ll be home soon.”
“You better be, or I’m gonna send Mama after you.”
Alec watched as his brothers and the rest of the men walked in the direction that Zeke and Trak had gone earlier.
“Hey, mister, are you a giant like that man over there?” asked the little boy, pointing to Tailor.
“We’re not giants,” he chuckled. “But we like to eat. Lots of things.”
“Don’t say vegetables, or I can’t be your friend.” Alec just laughed, shaking his head.
“Vegetables are awesome. Just put a little cheese on them or butter, and they’ll taste better.”
“Even broccoli?”
“Are you kidding me? Cheese on broccoli is delicious!” Alec lifted the little boy, settling him on his shoulders. Some of the other small boys were riding on Cruz, Wilson, and Tailor’s shoulders.
The swell of the river was down somewhat, making it more passable this morning, but the water was cold, causing the boys to now be at risk for hypothermia.
“Code? Sly? Can you read me yet?” asked Wilson.
